Focusing on romance travel can be very rewarding and lucrative. If you’re seeing the increase of requests for destination weddings, honeymoons and other romantic getaways in your business, you may want to consider focusing on this growing niche. Here are some tips on why you should.
1. The honeymoon and destination weddings segment of travel has always survived economic hard times. People still get married and they still go on honeymoons even if it’s not as luxurious as they dreamed of.
2. There’s an opportunity to increase commission and income. Almost 50 percent of all honeymooners tend to spend more money on their travel plans than they would on another vacation. Destination weddings have the potential to turn into a group booking. Mature couples tend to have discretionary income that can be spent on more lavish trips or make it a multi-generational trip.
3. Don’t overlook other segments of romance travel. Proposal trips/engagementcations, vow renewals, anniversary trips, and babymoons are other romantic vacations that couples take.
4. Remember that this is an emotional trip. For destination weddings, this is the day the bride has dreamed of since she was eight years old. For the babymoon couple, they’ve tried for several years to conceive and this is their last vacation alone before they become a family. For the anniversary trip, this couple may not have had a real honeymoon because he was deployed right after they were married.
5. Think outside the box in your marketing to find clients. Exchange referrals with other wedding vendors. Research bridal shows in your area and find the best option to participate in. Strategically plan with your tour operator BDMs and their marketing tools to increase your sales. Reap the rewards and benefits of being in the romance travel niche!
Lisa Sheldon, CTC, MCC
Executive Director, DWHSA
Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialists Association
